"Bowel cancer treatment at Furness General"

Before I start I just want to make you aware that my wife and I retired to Cumbria from Stafford four years ago..

In October 2009,following a road accident a few weeks earlier, I went to my own GP as a result of some pain in my lower stomach. I thought it was connected with the road accident as it was where the seat belt lap strapcrossed my body.

Anyway, my Doctor, one of the best my wife and I have had, examined me and referred me to the Hospital. I had an appointment roughly 2 weeks after seeing my Doctor.

On visiting the hospital I was seen fairly quickly by one of the Doctors. At this point I would just like to pass on a comment. Basically the first thing the Doctor said was"This is old age." a totally unnecessary comment. Although I was 68 years old I believed I was quite fit, walking up to 10 miles a week and cycling a further 20 miles.

Anyway after an examination I was referred for a Colonoscopy and also a CT scan. The appointment was made and I attended for the Colonoscopy just over a week later and the CT scan the next day.

Following the Colonoscopy I was informed by the Consultant, Mr Kaushal that I had a tumour in my Bowel and he had made arrangements for an operation the following Friday. I had the CT scan the next day and had the operation the following Friday. The operation was a success. I was discharged from Hospital after 10 days. I have had a PET scan at Preston. and have also had a consultation with the Oncologist. I was offered some Chemo but after consideration I declined the offer,

I have had another CT Scan which shows no change and at this time I am free from any other cancer.

During the whole of this time, apart from the unnecessary comment as outlined earler, I would just like to say that the treatment and care I have received from all the Staff, Pre op, the operation itself , and the aftercare , I would class as First Class. Of course there were some hiccups, but can only be expected when the nursing staff are put under extreme pressure. I can only have the utmost admiration for all those involved. And give my thanks for the total proffesionalism and the encouragement and good humour I received during my stay in Hospital.